Home
Discover BRAC
BRAC Network
Services
CampaignsForever FundContact
Start FundraisingSign UpLogin
Free Health Library

Everyday Health Guide

Explore health conditions, symptoms, first aid, medical tests and family wellness.

1,600 health information entriesAdvanced Search ↓No login required
Browse Categories

Explore the Health Library

Browse alphabetically or find an entry using Search.

Advanced Search — Refine Results
Reset All

1,600 entries found.

Overheating (Mild)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach

Cool Down & Hydrate

Preparation & Use

Move to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned place. Have them lie down and elevate their legs slightly. Give them cool water or ORS to sip. Loosen tight clothing.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Can quickly turn into life-threatening Heat Stroke.

When to Seek Medical Help

If symptoms worsen, vomiting occurs, or the person stops sweating and becomes confused.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Overstimulation (Infant)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Reduce Sensory Input Immediately

Guidance & Use

When a baby receives too much sensory input (loud noises, bright lights, or too much handling), they may become fussy, turn their head away, or cry. Move to a quiet, dimly lit room, swaddle them gently, and offer a pacifier or breast to help them reset.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice. Recognizing early cues prevents full-blown meltdowns.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the baby is inconsolable for hours despite a calm environment, or if fussiness is accompanied by fever or vomiting.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Oxygen Saturation Test (Pulse Oximetry)Diagnostics & Lab Reports · Vital Signs
Test Purpose & Procedure

Uses pulse oximetry (a non-invasive method using a small clip on the finger or earlobe) to measure the percentage of hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells) that is saturated with oxygen. No preparation is needed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE, painless test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If oxygen saturation consistently drops below 95%, consult your doctor to check for lung or heart conditions.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Paced Bottle FeedingWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Hold Baby Upright and Pause Frequently

Guidance & Use

Hold the baby in a semi-upright position. Keep the bottle horizontal so the milk flows slowly, allowing the baby to control the pace. Pause every 1–2 ounces to allow the baby to rest, burp, and recognize fullness cues.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice. Helps prevent overfeeding and mimics the natural flow of breastfeeding.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the baby consistently chokes, coughs, or spits up large amounts during bottle feeds.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Pacifier Cleaning RoutineWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Daily Washing and Regular Replacement

Guidance & Use

Wash the pacifier with hot, soapy water daily. For babies under 6 months, boil or steam sterilize it regularly. Replace the pacifier every 2 months or immediately if it shows signs of wear, tearing, or stickiness.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. Prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria and mold.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the baby develops oral thrush (a fungal infection) or gastrointestinal issues.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Pacifier Use (Infant)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Offer After Breastfeeding is Established

Guidance & Use

Introduce a pacifier (a rubber or silicone nipple for a baby to suck on) only after breastfeeding is well-established (around 3–4 weeks) to avoid nipple confusion. Use it primarily for soothing or sleep, and do not force it if the baby refuses.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice. CAUTION: Never tie a pacifier around the baby's neck or attach it to clothing with a long string due to strangulation risks.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If pacifier use interferes with feeding or if the baby develops dental issues later in toddlerhood.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Pacifier WeaningWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Gradual Reduction and Positive Reinforcement

Guidance & Use

Start by limiting pacifier use to nap and bedtime only. Gradually shorten the time it is used, offering alternative comfort like a stuffed animal or extra cuddles. Praise the child for small successes in going without it.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE developmental practice. Most experts recommend weaning between 12 and 24 months to prevent dental issues.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If pacifier use continues beyond age 3, consult a pediatric dentist to check for potential impacts on tooth alignment.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Painful PeriodsCommon Symptoms · Women's Health
Recommended Care

Hot Water Bag & Rest

Preparation & Use

Place a hot water bag on your lower abdomen. Lie down in a comfortable position. Take a mild painkiller if needed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE relief.

When to See Doctor

If pain is severe enough to stop daily activities, or if painkillers do not help.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Painful Periods with Heavy BleedingCommon Symptoms · Women's Health
Recommended Care

Heat Pack & Medical Check

Preparation & Use

Apply a hot water bag to the lower abdomen. Rest. Eat iron-rich foods. See a gynecologist for evaluation.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE relief. CAUTION: Can lead to anemia.

When to See Doctor

If you soak a pad in an hour, pass large clots, or pain is unbearable.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Painful UrinationCommon Symptoms · Urinary
Recommended Care

Hydration & Medical Check

Preparation & Use

Drink plenty of water. Avoid spicy food. See doctor for urine test and antibiotics if needed.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Usually requires antibiotics.

When to See Doctor

If pain is severe, or accompanied by blood/fever.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Pale LipsCommon Symptoms · Blood
Recommended Care

Iron-Rich Diet & Checkup

Preparation & Use

Eat dates, spinach, and jaggery. Get a CBC test to check hemoglobin.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE dietary support. CAUTION: Sign of Anemia.

When to See Doctor

If lips are persistently pale with fatigue/dizziness.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Pale SkinCommon Symptoms · Blood
Recommended Care

Iron-Rich Diet & Checkup

Preparation & Use

Eat iron-rich foods like spinach, jaggery, dates, and red meat. Get a blood test (CBC) to check your hemoglobin levels.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE dietary support. CAUTION: This is a common sign of Anemia.

When to See Doctor

If you also feel very tired, dizzy, or short of breath even after small efforts.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Pale Skin with Cold HandsCommon Symptoms · Blood
Recommended Care

Warmth & Iron-Rich Diet

Preparation & Use

Wear warm gloves. Eat dates, jaggery, and spinach. Get a CBC blood test to check hemoglobin.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE dietary support. CAUTION: Sign of Anemia.

When to See Doctor

If you feel dizzy, short of breath, or extremely weak.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

PalpitationsCommon Symptoms · Cardiovascular
Recommended Care

Deep Breathing & Rest

Preparation & Use

Sit down and rest. Take slow, deep breaths. Drink a glass of water. Avoid caffeine and stress.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE relief. CAUTION: If frequent, needs ECG.

When to See Doctor

If palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or fainting.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Palpitations with Chest PainCommon Symptoms · EmergencyUrgent information
This entry includes urgent or emergency precautions. Read the original Safety and Medical Help information below. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
Recommended Care

Immediate ER Visit

Preparation & Use

Call emergency services immediately. Sit down and rest. Do not exert yourself.

Safety & Precautions

EMERGENCY: Life-threatening condition.

When to See Doctor

IMMEDIATELY: Call ambulance right away.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Palpitations with DizzinessCommon Symptoms · Cardiovascular
Recommended Care

Sit Down & Medical Check

Preparation & Use

Sit or lie down immediately. Check pulse and BP. See doctor for ECG.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Could be heart rhythm issue.

When to See Doctor

If symptoms are frequent, severe, or cause fainting.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Palpitations with Shortness of BreathCommon Symptoms · Cardiovascular
Recommended Care

Rest & Medical Check

Preparation & Use

Sit down and rest. Check pulse. See doctor for ECG and evaluation.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Could be heart issue.

When to See Doctor

If symptoms are severe, persistent, or cause fainting.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Panic Attack (Severe)First Aid & Emergency · Mental Health
First Aid Approach

Grounding & Breathing

Preparation & Use

Move the person to a quiet place. Speak in a calm, reassuring voice. Guide them to breathe in slowly for 4 seconds, hold for 4, and exhale for 6 seconds. Ask them to name 5 things they can see to ground them (bring their focus back to the present reality).

Safety & Precautions

SAFE support. CAUTION: Ensure it is not a heart attack (which has similar symptoms).

When to Seek Medical Help

If chest pain radiates (spreads) to the arm or jaw, or if they have a history of heart disease.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

If this page helped you, consider supporting BRAC with a small donation as little as ₹10 INR or $1 USD.

DONATE NOW

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis or a replacement for care from a qualified professional. This is not legal or medical advice. Consult a professional for specific needs. BRAC® is not liable for errors or consequences arising from the use of this content. Unauthorized commercial use is prohibited. For corrections or permissions, email info@brac.in.